Newsletters

April

• HOT TOPIC: Tariff Turmoil: The Makings of a Stock Market Correction

  On March 13, 2025, the S&P 500 Index landed in correction territory after a swift drop. An escalating trade war and signs of a slowing economy have unsettled the financial markets.

• Breaking Down the Numbers: The Soaring U.S. National Debt

  As of March 2025, the U.S. national debt was a record $36.21 trillion, while the 2024 deficit of $1.83 trillion was the third-highest on record.

• Cancer Happens: Insurance Can Help Fortify Your Finances

  Although it’s scary to consider the possibility of a cancer diagnosis, it might be helpful to prepare for the financial implications.

• Traditional or Roth Contributions? Think It Through for Future You

  When a workplace retirement plan offers both Traditional and Roth accounts, it may help to understand their key features and distinctions.

March

• Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2025

  This article outlines some important IRS cost-of-living adjustments for 2025.

• Accounts for Two: A Team Approach to Retirement Savings

  Even if most of a married couple’s retirement assets reside in different accounts, open communication and teamwork can help them craft a unified retirement strategy.

• Phased Retirement Can Help Smooth the Transition

  The article explains why a phased retirement program can be a positive experience for employees, employers, and customers.

February

• HOT TOPIC: The Social Security Fairness Act Increases Benefits for Millions

  This article explains what will be changing and who can expect to receive higher Social Security benefits due to the Social Security Fairness Act.

• Three Market-Moving Economic Indicators to Watch

  Among all the economic indicators released each month, these three reports may have the strongest effect on the market.

• What’s New for 2025?

  This article outlines changes that may affect retirement savings, health-care costs, air travel, and consumer credit.

January

• HOT TOPIC: Data for Sale: Tips to Help Protect Your Private Information

  Recent action by the Federal Trade Commission highlights the potential for abuse by online data brokers. This article offers some tips that might help consumers keep their private data private.

• Would You Be Prepared for an Unplanned Early Retirement?

  Nearly half of current retirees retired earlier than planned. Here are some steps to help prepare for the unexpected.

• A Critical Combo: Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Benefits

  Although long-term care insurance is typically a “use-it-or-lose-it” proposition, these alternatives can help pay for care if it’s needed or provide a death benefit for beneficiaries if it’s not.

• Extreme Weather and Your Home Insurance: How to Navigate the Financial Storm

  Many insurance companies have begun to raise rates, restrict coverage, or stop selling policies in high-risk areas.

• A Mortgage Recast Is an Alternative to Refinancing

  When a mortgage is recast, the borrower puts money toward the principal balance of a home loan, reducing the monthly payment.

December

• HOT TOPIC: Dreaming of Retirement? Consider Maxing Out Your 401(k) in 2025

  This article covers the contribution and catch-up limits for workplace retirement plans, including the less-common opportunity to make larger after-tax contributions.

• Charitable Gifts of Life Insurance

  Life insurance offers a way to make a substantial gift to charity while also benefiting from favorable tax rules.

• Year-End 2024 Tax Tips

  Here are some things to consider when weighing potential tax moves before the end of the year.

• An Umbrella Policy Offers Extra Liability Coverage

  An umbrella personal liability insurance policy can provide additional coverage in the event of a high-dollar liability claim or legal judgment.

• Two Tax-Friendly Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed

  Setting up a retirement plan provides a way to help shelter more income from taxes and save money for the future.

November

• If You Don’t Have a Will Yet, Why Not?

  Although 64% of Americans think having a will is important, only 32% have one. This article looks at reasons people don’t have a will and why they need one regardless of the reason.

• FAFSA for 2025-2026 School Year Opens December 1

  Following a disastrous rollout last year, this article provides tips for submitting the redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025–2026 school year.

• Do You Know Your Medicare Coverage Options?

  There are two ways to obtain Medicare coverage: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Here’s how they work.

October

• HOT TOPIC: The Fed Finally Cut Interest Rates

  The Fed’s first rate cut of one-half percentage point in four years marks a critical juncture for the economy, with significant implications for consumers, businesses, and investors.

• Can You Put the Brakes on Rising Auto Insurance Premiums?

  Auto insurance premiums increased more than 18% between July 2023 and July 2024. This article outlines some steps that may help reduce premiums.

• Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?

  Life insurance needs change over time. This article presents five guidelines to help determine an appropriate amount of life insurance coverage.

• Making the Most of Your Credit Card

  Credit cards are being used more than ever. This article offers suggestions for choosing and using a credit card.

• A Pension Strategy That May Boost Your Income

  A strategy called pension maximization may enable a married pensioner to elect the higher payments of a single-life annuity while also providing for the spouse’s financial future.

September

• HOT TOPIC: Should You Worry About Market Volatility?

  On August 5, 2024, the S&P 500 dropped 3% from its previous close but bounced back quickly. This article explains why investors would be wise to tune out the noise of market volatility.

• It’s Complicated: Inheriting IRAs and Retirement Plans

  The SECURE Act of 2019 dramatically changed the rules governing how IRA and retirement plan assets are distributed to beneficiaries.

• Retroactive Social Security Benefits: A Chance to Turn Back Time

  Beneficiaries who postpone claiming Social Security past full retirement age have the option of receiving a lump-sum payment for up to six months of benefits when they finally apply.

• Eight Great Investing Quotes

  This article offers eight quotes from successful investors, economists, and other insightful thinkers that may help provide perspective and focus for an investing strategy.

• Thinking of Selling Your Home? Don’t Be Surprised by Capital Gains Taxes

  This article explains the basics of capital gains taxes when selling a home.

• Just Your Average Millionaire

  The average net worth of U.S. families surpassed $1 million for the first time in 2022, but wealth levels vary greatly by age, housing status, education, and income.

August

• Watch for These Hazards on the Road to Retirement

  The road to retirement is typically not a smooth ride. This article looks at five potential risks that can slow progress along the way.

• Mixing It Up: Asset Allocation and Diversification

  This article explains how asset allocation and diversification can work together to help mitigate portfolio risk.

• After the Loss of a Loved One, Watch Out for Scams

  Scammers often prey on those who are most vulnerable. This article outlines common scams that target people who have lost a loved one.

July

• HOT TOPIC: The Economic Impact of an Aging World

  This article looks at some of the demographic trends and economic challenges related to global aging.

• Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Vehicle?

  Skyrocketing new vehicle costs and high interest rates could make leasing a cost-saving option. This article looks at the advantages and disadvantages of owning vs. leasing.

• Can Home Improvements Lower Your Tax Bill? It Depends

  Most home improvements are not tax deductible, but certain types of projects might help reduce your tax burden in other ways.

• Saving for College: 529 Plan vs. Roth IRA

  529 plans and Roth IRAs can both be used to save for college. This article compares the features of these two saving options.

June

• Investor, Know Thyself: How Your Biases Can Affect Investment Decisions

  While traditional economic models assume that people make rational decisions, most humans don’t think like robots. This article summarizes some common biases that can influence financial decisions.

• Insurance Gaps May Pose Risks for High-Net-Worth Households

  It’s important for affluent families to reassess their liability coverage periodically, to make sure it’s sufficient based on their finances, lifestyles, and the related risks.